Thurifer by Joyce Kilmer (1914)
The poem explores the role of a thurifer, a person who carries a censer used to burn incense during religious ceremonies. The speaker reflects on their own life and how it has been marked by the scent of incense, which they associate with reverence and worship. They consider the possibility that their life may have been defined by this one aspect, and that without it, they would be lost.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Religious · 29 words
First lines
In a carven censer of burnished words, Swung on a golden chain of rhythm, For you I burn my heart.
What this Textopian page supports
Thurifer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Religious, Symbolism, Romanticism
- Length: 29 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thurifer by Joyce Kilmer
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- At Vespers by Madison Cawein
- The Seeking Of The Waterfall by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Loves Rosary by Joyce Kilmer
- There Is A Well Into Whose Bottomless Eye by Edna St Vincent Millay
- Saved by Emily Dickinson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is characterized by its use of structured verse, rhythm, and imagery typical of poetic forms.
- Lyric — The expression of personal emotions and feelings is central to the work, aligning it with the lyric genre.
- Religious — The themes of devotion and spirituality suggest a connection to religious or spiritual exploration.
- Symbolism — The use of metaphorical language and imagery indicates a symbolic approach to conveying deeper meanings.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Spirituality · Mystery · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory · Folklore · Mythology · Catholicism · Religion